Prepare. This is the single most important thing you can do. Reading this page is a great start!

Plan ahead to avoid last-minute errors in judgement. ​Make ​reservations, if you need, at recreation.gov.

Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.

Be prepared for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies.

Avoid crowded times. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. Visit in small groups when possible.

Reduce what you bring to minimize waste. For example, you can repackage food so you are bringing only what you know you'll eat, and nothing more.

Reduce trash. Be thoughtful about food portions when cooking. Good meal planning helps reduce trash, pack weight and dependence upon campfires. Check out our campfire cookbook to be sure you have some awesome recipes!

Get a tuneup for your car before your trip to ensure it doesn't leak any of its fluids into nearby wild waters.

Don't create campsites. Campsites are found not made. Pitch your tent only in areas that are designated for them in order to prevent unintended impacts.

Keep campsites small and in areas away from plants on the ground.

Think about the terrain when camping. Be aware that camping in dry areas, near rivers or on unstable surfaces requires special considerations.

Clean up. Allow for plenty of time for cleanup. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. This includes small items like cigarette butts and candy wrappers.

Dispose of your waste in a trash bin or take it home. Whatever you do, don't burn it.

Carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes to wash. For dishes, use small amounts of biodegradable soap, then scatter strained dishwater.

Use toilet paper sparingly and use only plain, white, non-perfumed brands. Never burn toilet paper.

Leave what you find. Yes, even that rock that you are sure only you will find cool.

Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Don't bring soil, plants of ANY kind (other than dead vegetables) or firewood (this can be purchased nearby). Clean and inspect clothing, gear and containers for weeds and other "hitchhikers" before you leave.

Do not build structures or furniture, or dig trenches.

Minimize campfire impacts. Burn only in established fire rings and keep fires small.

Be selective about firewood. To build your fire, only use sticks that are from the ground and that can be broken by hand.

Burn everything in the campfire to ash before putting it out.

Dispose of waste the right way. Proper disposal of human waste is important to avoid pollution of water sources. If an outhouse or bathroom is available, use it. In most backcountry locations, burying human feces is sufficient, but solid human waste must be packed out from some places, such as narrow river canyons.

Need to "go"? Go far away, please. Be sure to urinate at least 200 feet from a campsite or trail. Urinating on rocks, pine needles and gravel is less likely to attract wildlife (a good thing). Diluting urine with water from a water bottle also can help minimize negative effects.

Respect wildlife by never feeding any animal. You may do so unintentionally if you leave food or garbage unattended at your campsite.

Protect wildlife by storing food and trash securely. If you are planning to be in bear country, read up about proper precautions beforehand.

Keep pets on a leash at all times, or leave them at home. And don't forgot to pick up their waste too! Be sure to check the rules at the trail head to make sure your dog is permitted on the trail.

Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

Remember to stay on the trail, preferably in the center of it.

Ditch the disposable plastic water bottles and bring a refillable one. You can even go a step further and let the Park Service know that you want National Parks to be plastic free!

Photo credits: Picking up trash in Apalachicola National Forest: flickr, USDA (USFS-Susan Blake). Campsite that was ravgaed by ravens when food was left unattended: flickr, GCNP (Kristen M. Caldon).

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